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Pop-ups give opponents free put-aways, and they usually come from a paddle that is too lively for your touch. The best paddle to fix pop ups pickleball players struggle with absorbs pace, keeps the ball on the face longer and makes low, soft shots easier to repeat.
We compared control-first paddles from Selkirk, Vatic Pro, Six Zero, HEAD and TENVINA, all with 15 mm or thicker cores or control-oriented construction.
Quick Answer: The Best Paddle To Fix Pop Ups Pickleball
- Best Overall to Fix Pop-Ups: Selkirk LUXX Control Invikta
- Best Value Control: Vatic Pro Prism 16mm
- Best Control With Spin: Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control
- Best Muted Graphite: HEAD Radical Tour Grit
- Best Thermoformed Control: TENVINA Hercules Pro Thermoformed Paddle
- Best Fiberglass Control: Selkirk Amped Pro Invikta
The Selkirk LUXX Control Invikta is our best paddle to fix pop ups pickleball players hit: its 19 mm X7 ThikSet core is one of the thickest we track. For a lower price, the Vatic Pro Prism 16mm offers excellent cold-molded control.
Best Paddle To Fix Pop Ups Pickleball Comparison Table
Compare core thickness and construction for control.
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selkirk LUXX Control Invikta | Best Overall to Fix Pop-Ups | Raw carbon | 19 mm X7 core | Check Price ↗ |
| Vatic Pro Prism 16mm | Best Value Control | Raw carbon | T700 raw carbon, foam walls | Check Price ↗ |
| Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control | Best Control With Spin | Raw carbon | Thermoformed handle | Check Price ↗ |
| HEAD Radical Tour Grit | Best Muted Graphite | Graphite | SpinGrid surface, 15 mm | Check Price ↗ |
| TENVINA Hercules Pro Thermoformed Paddle | Best Thermoformed Control | Thermoformed carbon | 4-layer T700SC face | Check Price ↗ |
| Selkirk Amped Pro Invikta | Best Fiberglass Control | Fiberglass | X5+ 16 mm core, open throat | Check Price ↗ |
The 6 Best Paddles to Fix Pop-Ups
These are our picks for the best paddle to fix pop ups pickleball players hit, ranked by softness, control and stability.
Selkirk LUXX Control Invikta
1. A 19 mm X7 ThikSet core and InfiniGrit carbon face keep shots soft and low.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extra-thick 19 mm core for control
- InfiniGrit surface for durable spin
- EVA handle reduces vibration
- Premium Selkirk construction
Cons
- Less pop than thinner power cores
- Premium price tier
📄 Detailed Review
- Face: Florek carbon fiber with InfiniGrit surface
- Core: X7 ThikSet honeycomb, 19 mm
- Handle: EVA foam-injected handle and throat
- Shape: Invikta (elongated)
The LUXX Control is Selkirk’s premium control paddle. Its 19 mm X7 ThikSet honeycomb core is thicker than most paddles, which slows the ball down for soft drops and resets.
Selkirk’s InfiniGrit surface is designed to triple raw carbon durability, and the proprietary Florek carbon fiber enlarges the sweet spot. EVA foam in the handle and throat smooths out vibration. EVA foam-injected handle dampens feel.
2. Cold-molded raw carbon over a 16 mm core.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Raw T700 carbon at a mid-tier price
- Foam walls stabilize off-center hits
- Cold-molded build favors touch and resets
- Paddle cover included
Cons
- Less raw power than thermoformed paddles
- Long 5.3″ handle listing may not suit every grip
📄 Detailed Review
- Face: raw T700 carbon fiber
- Core: 16 mm polypropylene with foam-injected edge walls
- Build: cold-molded for control
- Weight: about 8 oz
- Size: 16.3″ x 7.7″
- Includes paddle cover; USA Pickleball approved
The Prism series is Vatic Pro’s answer to the question “can a carbon fiber paddle be affordable?” It uses a raw T700 carbon face for grit and spin, a 16 mm core and foam-injected edge walls that increase stability on mishits.
Vatic Pro cold-molds the Prism instead of thermoforming it, which the brand says adds control and touch at the cost of some raw power. That makes it a strong match for players who win points with dinks, drops and resets. Foam-injected edge walls.
Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control
3. Textured raw carbon over a 14 or 16 mm core in a flared shape.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Control-focused design for advanced touch
- Choice of 14 mm or 16 mm core
- Flared shape widens the sweet spot
- Elongated handle for two-handed backhands
Cons
- Stock can be limited
- Premium price
📄 Detailed Review
- Face: textured raw carbon
- Core: honeycomb, 14 mm or 16 mm
- Shape: flared, aerodynamic
- Handle: thermoformed 3D carbon, elongated
- Grip: 4.5″
The Double Black Diamond Control is built for players who win with placement. Its raw carbon face grips the ball for reliable spin, and the flared shape widens the sweet spot compared with a traditional elongated paddle.
Choose the 14 mm core for faster hands at the net or the 16 mm core for a plush, controlled feel. The thermoformed 3D carbon handle reduces vibration and leaves room for two hands. Choose 16 mm for pop-up control.
4. A 15 mm FoamedCore and graphite face for a quiet, stable feel.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Wide 7 7/8″ face for forgiveness
- SpinGrid texture adds spin
- Two grip sizes available
- Comfort grip system from HEAD
Cons
- Graphite face is less gritty than raw carbon
- Not an elongated power shape
📄 Detailed Review
- Face: Graphite Hitting Surface with SpinGrid texture
- Core: polypropylene with FoamedCore, 15 mm
- Weight: 225 g / 7.9 oz
- Size: 16″ x 7 7/8″
- Grip: 3 7/8″ or 4 1/8″
HEAD designed the Radical Tour Grit for versatile players. The Graphite Hitting Surface gives a reactive, controlled feel, and the SpinGrid texture increases spin potential.
A 15 mm polypropylene core with strategically placed foam adds stability. The wide 16 x 7 7/8-inch shape and two grip sizes make it easy to fit to different hands and playing styles. Two grip sizes.
TENVINA Hercules Pro Thermoformed Paddle
5. A 16 mm control core inside a thermoformed carbon shell.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Thermoformed edges with foam injection
- Choice of elongated or wide shape
- Longer 140 mm handle for two-handed backhands
- Strong value for advanced features
Cons
- Newer brand with limited history
- Textured face needs regular cleaning
📄 Detailed Review
- Face: 4-layer hot-pressed T700SC carbon, matte texture
- Build: thermoformed, 3 carbon layers at the edges with foam injection
- Core: polymer honeycomb control core, 16 mm
- Shapes: elongated THRUST (140 mm grip) or wider POISE (133 mm grip)
- USA Pickleball approved
TENVINA’s Hercules Pro uses a four-layer T700SC carbon surface hot-pressed into a matte texture, then thermoforms the edges with three carbon layers and foam injection to enlarge the sweet spot.
Two shapes are offered: THRUST, an elongated offensive paddle with a 140 mm handle, and POISE, a wider defensive shape with a 133 mm handle. That choice lets buyers match the paddle to how they actually play. Choose the wider POISE shape.
See the TENVINA Hercules Pro Thermoformed Paddle on Amazon ↗
6. A 16 mm X5+ core with FiberFlex+ fiberglass.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Massive sweet spot from 16 mm core
- Fiberglass face adds easy pop
- Open throat speeds up swings
- Foam perimeter absorbs vibration
Cons
- Elongated shape needs cleaner contact
- Fiberglass face may lose texture faster than carbon
📄 Detailed Review
- Face: FiberFlex+ fiberglass with ProSpin+ texture
- Core: X5+ raw honeycomb, 16 mm
- Shape: Invikta (elongated)
- Design: Air Dynamic open throat
- Edges: Aero-DuraEdge edgeless with FlexFoam perimeter
The Amped Pro modernizes one of Selkirk’s most popular lines. It pairs a FiberFlex+ fiberglass face with a 16 mm X5+ honeycomb core for balanced power and a large, reliable sweet spot.
An Air Dynamic open throat improves swing speed, and the edgeless Aero-DuraEdge design with a FlexFoam perimeter expands the usable face while damping vibration. Open throat design.
How We Chose the Best Paddle To Fix Pop Ups Pickleball
To choose the best paddle to fix pop ups pickleball players hit, we prioritized core thickness (15–19 mm), cold-molded or foam-dampened construction, textured faces for spin control and stable edges. Power-focused thin-core paddles were excluded.
A paddle helps, but technique matters most; the USA Pickleball skill level guide lists the soft-game skills that reduce pop-ups. Our method is on How We Test.
How to Choose the Best Paddle to Fix Pop-Ups
Pop-ups come from too much energy at contact. These features remove it.
Go Thicker
A 16 mm core is the minimum for control; 19 mm cores like Selkirk’s X7 ThikSet are even softer.
Thicker cores absorb pace on dinks and resets.
Prefer Cold-Molded or Dampened Builds
Cold-molded paddles feel softer than thermoformed ones. Foam-injected handles and edges also dampen.
Thermoformed paddles add pop that can cause pop-ups.
Use Spin to Bring the Ball Down
Textured carbon lets you add slice and topspin to keep balls low.
Brush under the ball for dinks.
Stability Prevents Wobbly Blocks
Off-center blocks pop up when the face twists. Higher twist weight helps.
Wider shapes add stability.
Fix the Grip, Too
A tight grip adds energy. Hold the paddle at about 3 out of 10 pressure.
Keep the paddle face slightly open and in front.
Drills to Stop Popping Up
- Dink with a loose 3/10 grip
- Keep knees bent and paddle low
- Push dinks; do not swing
- Practice resets against drives
Quick answers about the best paddle to fix pop ups pickleball players hit:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best paddle to fix pop-ups in pickleball?
Our pick for the best paddle to fix pop ups pickleball players hit is the Selkirk LUXX Control Invikta, with the Vatic Pro Prism 16mm as a value option.
Does a thicker paddle stop pop-ups?
It helps by absorbing pace, but technique still matters.
Why do I keep popping the ball up?
Usually a tight grip, a swinging motion or standing too upright.
Are thermoformed paddles worse for pop-ups?
They tend to be livelier, which can make pop-ups more likely for players still learning touch.
Final Verdict
Our final pick for the best paddle to fix pop ups pickleball players hit is the Selkirk LUXX Control Invikta. For value choose the Vatic Pro Prism 16mm, and for control with spin the Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control is excellent.
Related Guides
Keep researching with these related pickleball guides from our team:
- Best Pickleball Paddle 2027: 7 Top Picks for Every Skill Level
- Best Pickleball Paddle for Improving Players: 6 Picks That Grow 2027
- Best Intermediate Pickleball Paddle: 6 Spin & Control Picks 2027
- Best Pickleball Paddle for Intermediate Players Under 150: 6 Picks
- Best Advanced Pickleball Paddle: 6 Pro-Level Picks for 2027
Prices and availability change frequently. Product details are based on manufacturer specifications at the time of writing; always confirm the latest information on Amazon before you buy.
